Jason Isaacs brushes aside 'ridiculous' Duke University feud over ‘The White Lotus’

Popular series ‘The White Lotus,’ which has become synonymous with its acerbic satire and salacious characters, has been at the center of a surprise real-world controversy. Jason Isaacs, who appeared in Season 3, has now spoken out about the rumbling "beef" between the show and Duke University following the show's portrayal of his character, Tim Ratliff, and his association with the esteemed institution.
In Season 3, Duke University is frequently referenced by the Ratliff family, confirming the patriarch Tim as an alumnus. The controversy originated in Episode 6, in which Isaacs's character seriously considers killing himself while wearing a Duke University T-shirt. As much as fans read the moment as a projection of Tim's desperate situation, Duke University authorities were offended at the identification.
Frank Tramble, Duke University's VP of Communications, told The New York Times, “ ‘The White Lotus’ not only appropriates our brand without our permission but, in our opinion, uses it on imagery that is disturbing, does not represent our values or who we are, and simply goes too far."
Jason Isaacs, however, has shrugged off the university's response as a hyped-up bid to make headlines. While speaking in an interview with the Prestige Junkie Podcast, the actor added that he felt "it was just someone imagining seeing their name online and, in some department, wanting to go viral."
Isaacs also came to the defense of the show's depiction by pointing out the less-than-flattering reputation of some of Duke University's actual alumni. "Their actual alumni are such a rogue's gallery, many of them, that the idea that this somewhat spiritually aware character on TV caused them any grief is fanciful and ridiculous," he said.
Getting some humor out of the experience, Isaacs joked that he accidentally wore a Duke mascot shirt to ‘The White Lotus’ season finale screening. He said he didn't have any other attire to wear as there was a wardrobe malfunction earlier.